Federal Trade Commission v. AdvoCare International, L.P.

Retained to assist in responding to a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into AdvoCare’s multilevel marketing (MLM) model of product distribution. AdvoCare used both an MLM and direct selling for its products, which include energy drinks and nutrition bars and supplements. Joseph Farrell and Scott Thompson authored a white paper addressing marketing model concerns and submitted it to the FTC. Bates White also conducted analyses of potential harm to members of the MLM organization and presented results to the FTC. Bates White’s analyses supported the company’s negotiation of a final settlement.